Use of pertussis toxin as a therapeutic agent

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to the use of a pertussis toxin, and its derivatives, analogs, salts and pharmaceutical equivalents. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating an autoimmune disease by administering pertussis toxin to the individual. In another embodiment, the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer&#39;s disease or Parkinson&#39;s disease by administering pertussis toxin, or a derivative, analog, salt or pharmaceutical equivalent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This applications is the National Phase of International Application PCT/US2012/045065, filed Jun. 29, 2012, which designated the U.S. and the International Application was published under PCT Article 21(2) in English. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/503,491 filed Jun. 30, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of medicine and neurology and autoimmunity and, more specifically, to pertussis toxin and methods of treating neurological and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), or disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata is a neurological and autoimmune disease where myelin sheaths around axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. The result is difficulty for nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to effectively communicate with each other. Various neurological symptoms can occur, often progressing into physical and cognitive disability, until often permanent neurological problems occur as the disease advances. The disease affects 2.5 million people and life expectancy of those with MS is about 5 to 10 years lower than the normal population. At present, the exact cause of MS is unknown, although experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the primary animal model used to study MS. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for MS, and MS medications often have adverse effects. Thus, there is a great need in the art for novel and effective treatments for neurological and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments herein include a method of treating and/or ameliorating the effects of a neurologic disease in a subject, comprising providing a composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt thereof, and treating and/or ameliorating the effects of the neurologic disease by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt thereof to the subject. In another embodiment, the neurologic disease is multiple sclerosis. In another embodiment, the neurologic disease is Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis, complications related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or Parkinson's disease. In another embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the subject is a mouse or rat. In another embodiment, the composition is administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip). In another embodiment, ameliorating the effects of the neurologic disease in the subject includes mitigating clinical motor symptoms, minimizing T cell infiltration, and/or preventing demyelination of the spinal cord. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in inhibition of migration of microglia in the subject. In another embodiment, the composition is administered to the subject in conjunction with G-protein, chemokine and/or adhesion blocking agents. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on neurons and/or increased angiogenesis. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in increased blood vessel density in brain cortex and/or spinal gray matter. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 500 ng PTx. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 1000 ng PTx.

Other embodiments include a method of protecting against a neurologic disease in a subject, comprising providing a composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt thereof, and protecting against the neurologic disease by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt thereof to the subject. In another embodiment, the neurologic disease is multiple sclerosis. In another embodiment, the neurologic disease is a central nervous system autoimmune disease. In another embodiment, the neurologic disease is Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis, complications related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or Parkinson's disease. In another embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the subject is a mouse or rat. In another embodiment, the composition is administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip). In another embodiment, administering the composition results in inhibition of migration of microglia in the subject. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on neurons and/or increased angiogenesis. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 500 ng PTx. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 1000 ng PTx.

Other embodiments include a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective amount of PTx is about 1000 ng PTx.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 depicts EAE+PTx icv mice developed an attenuated and delayed course of EAE. Clinical scores were evaluated daily in EAE+PTx icv and control mice and were plotted as the mean 6 S.D (n=12/group). Maximum clinical scores as well as scores on day 14 and 23 evidence marked attenuation of disease severity after PTx icv (P,0.01). A dose response to PTx icv is demonstrated as well. Mice receiving lower doses of PTx icv (400 ng and 200 ng) continued to manifest a dose dependent benefit compared to the EAE controls (P,0.05).

FIG. 2 depicts T cell proliferation responses to the Ag (MOG35-55 peptide) were assessed in triplicate wells for each experiment. It showed a significant difference in PTx+EAE and EAE versus control (* p,0.01). But there was no difference between PTx+EAE and EAE mice. Results are expressed as Dcpm (mean cpm stimulated cultures−mean cpm unstimulated cultures). N=6/group.

FIG. 3 depicts flow cytometry analysis of mononuclear cells from the spleen on day 14.PTx icv does not alter the peripheral lymphocyte subpopulation in acute EAE. Dot plots of flow cytometry results generated after gating on lymphocytes (by forward and versus side scatter) are shown for T (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD25+ and B (CD32/CD19+) cells. WT=wild type group. Absolute numbers of lymphocyte subpopulation, macrophage/microglia cells are shown in the following table. n=6/group. * p<0.05 compared with WT, ** p<0.01 compared with WT.

FIG. 4 depicts attenuation of the progression of inflammation and tissue injury in the CNS of mice that received PTx icv. Pathological examination of spinal cord sections from EAE+PTx icv and EAE mice were performed at 7, 14, and 23 days post EAE induction to evaluate CNS inflammation, demyelination and axonal damage. In EAE+PTx icv mice, the number of immune-cell infiltrates (H&E staining, FIG. 4A-C) and demyelination (Luxol fast blue staining, FIG. 4G) were both significantly reduced at day 14 and 23 post EAE induction. Representative day 14 images of H&E staining (A-F) and LFB/PAS staining (G, H). B and C were inserts in A; E and F were inserts in D. Original magnification 640 in A, D, G and H; 6200 in B, C, E, F, and inserts in G and H.

FIG. 5 depicts rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) penetration into the frontal lobe parenchyma and thoracolumbar spinal cord in control, EAE, and EAE+PTx icv (n=7/group). Normal+IgG: age-controlled normal mice without EAE receiving a single i.p. injection of rabbit IgG (100 mg/mouse). 7 days EAE: EAE mice on day 7 post immunization; no penetration of rabbit IgG observed in the brain or spinal cord. 14 days EAE: EAE mice on day 14; marked penetration of rabbit IgG noted in both brain and spinal cord. 7 days EAE+PTx: EAE+PTx icv mice on day 7 post immunization; marked penetration of the brain, but no penetration of the spinal cord. 14 days EAE+PTx: EAE+PTx icv mice on day 14 post immunization, continued evidence of brain penetration, no penetration of the spinal cord. Note the dramatic opening of the BBB on Days 7 in EAE+PTx icv group relative to EAE on day 7.

FIG. 6 depicts western blot depicts measures of rabbit IgG. Lane 1: purified rabbit Ig G as the positive control; lane 2-7 correlates the plotted graph below. Statistical evaluation of optic density (OD) normalized to b-actin was obtained for each group. Mean 6 SD are depicted (n=7 per group). *P<0.01, compared with normal control; **P<0.01, compared with normal control group and EAE.

FIG. 7 depicts inflammatory cytokines and cells in the spinal cord of EAE and EAE+PTx icv mice (n=6/group). IL-17+/CD4+ cells were detected in the meninges of the spinal cord in the EAE+PTx icv mice (A-C), whereas these cells were diffusely identified in the spinal parenchyma in the EAE mice (D-F). Original magnification 6400. The western blot depicts measures of IL-17 (G), IL-6 (H) and TGF-b (I). In the spinal cord, elevated levels of all three were identified in the EAE mice relative to the EAE+PTx icv mice. Statistical evaluation of optic density (OD) normalized to b-actin was obtained. Mean 6 SD are depicted (n=6 per group). *P<0.05, compared with normal control group; #P<0.05, compared with EAE group.

FIG. 8 depicts western blot measures of IL17 (A), IL6 (B) and TGF-b (C) in the brain of EAE+PTx icv compared with in EAE alone mice as well as controls. Statistical evaluation of optic density (OD) normalized to b-actin was obtained. Mean+/2 SD are depicted (n=6 per group). *P<0.05, compared with normal control group; #P<0.05, compared with EAE group.

FIG. 9 depicts anti-Iba1 immunostaining of spinal cord and brain of WT, EAE and EAE+PTx icv mice. Brain and spinal cord sections were immuno-stained at 7 days post MOG immunization with the anti-Iba1 antibody. A: Low-magnification image of spinal cord section (Scale bar=200 mm). The anti-Iba1 antibody reacted strongly with amoeboid-shaped cells. corresponding to activated microglia in the spinal cord of EAE mice. This was significantly less prominent in the EAE+PTx icv mice. In WT controls, the antibody also effectively, but rather weakly, recognized ramified or resting microglia; these cells have small bodies and finely branched processes. B: High-magnification image of the spinal cord sections (Scale bar=50 mm). C: Low-magnification image of cerebral cortex (Scale bar=200 mm). The anti-Iba1 antibody reacted strongly with amoeboid shaped cells, corresponding to activated microglia in the brain of EAE+PTx icv mice. WT controls manifest ramified or resting microglia; whereas EAE mice manifest an intermediate stage. D: High-magnification image of the brain sections (Scale bar=50 mm). E-F. Microglia were quantified and compared among the groups by counting the number of cells in the field. Five random fields at 40× fields were counted for each condition under a digital axoplan microscope. Results were shown as the cells counted per 40× field. * p<0.05 compared with wt; ** p<0.01, Compared with EAE.

FIG. 10 depicts PTx significantly reduced migration of stimulated microglia. Microglia migration was quantified and compared among the groups by counting the number of cells that migrated through the membrane to the lower chamber. Five random fields at 40× fields were counted for each condition under a phase contrast microscope. Results were shown as the cells counted per 40× field (A and B). In PTx treated groups, cell migration was significantly reduced. * p<0.05 compared with PTx; ** p<0.01, Compared with PTx+IFN, PTx and Control groups.

FIG. 11 depicts PTx ip (1000 ng) delayed the onset of motor symptoms and decreased the severity of motor impairment (p<0.01) (FIG. 11). The inventors evaluated whether A or B subunit alone was effective with equivalent dosage. Neither of them showed therapeutic effect. B subunit alone showed a trend in delaying the onset of motor deficits.

FIG. 12 depicts EAE+PTx ip mice exhibited markedly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord.

FIG. 13 depicts luxol fast blue staining which observed widespread demyelination zones in the white matter of the spinal cord of EAE mice compared to EAE+PTx ip mice.

FIG. 14 depicts PTx ip attenuates macrophage/microglia infiltration to the CNS. In the brain and spinal cord of EAE mice, anti-Iba1 antibody reacted strongly with amoeboid-shaped cells, corresponding to activated microglia. Wild type controls manifest ramified or resting microglia; whereas EAE+PTx ip mice manifest intermediate responsiveness and ramification.

FIG. 15 depicts PTx attenuated clinical deficits of EAE. Clinical scores were plotted as the mean±SD (n=12/group). Clinical signs began on day 13 post-immunization and continued to worsen on day 19 in the EAE group. In PTx treatment group, no clinical sign was observed.

FIG. 16 depicts PTx attenuated inflammation in EAE. Pathological examination of brain and spinal cord sections were performed at day 19 post EAE induction to evaluate CNS inflammation. Abundant infiltrating inflammatory cells around blood vessels and in the parenchyma of brain and spinal cord were shown in the EAE group. They were significantly reduced in the PTx treatment group. Representative images of H&E staining were shown. Original magnification ×40; inserts ×200.

FIG. 17 depicts PTx attenuated demyelination in EAE. Pathological examination of brain and spinal cord sections were performed at day 19 post EAE induction to evaluate CNS demyelination. Massive subpial demyelination with inflammatory cells infiltrating in parenchyma were seen in both brain and spinal cord in EAE, especially in the spinal cord. They were significantly reduced in the PTx treatment group. Representative images of Luxol fast blue staining/PAS staining were shown. Original magnification ×40; inserts ×200.

FIG. 18 depicts PTx increased VEGF expression. Immunohistochemistry of brain and spinal cord sections were performed at day 19 post EAE induction. The expression of VEGF was increased significantly by PTx treatment. The morphology of these cells is suggestive of neurons. Representative images of immunostaining were shown. Original magnification ×40; inserts ×200.

FIG. 19 depicts PTx increased VEGF expression on neurons. Double staining of brain and spinal cord sections with VEGF and NeuN antibodies confirmed VEGF expression on neurons. PTx significantly increased the expression of VEGF on neurons. Original magnification ×200.

FIG. 20 depicts PTx increased angiogenesis. Brain and spinal cord sections were stained by Collagen IV to count the vessels. PTx treatment increased the vessel counts significantly versus EAE and control. Original magnification ×40; inserts ×200.

FIG. 21 depicts PTx increased protein levels of VEGF and Collagen IV in the brain. Shown is the representative western blot depicting VEGF and Collagen IV from brain homogenate. Statistical evaluation of optic density (OD) normalized to β-actin was obtained. Both VEGF and collagen type IV were decreased in EAE (*P<0.05) and increased in the PTx treatment group (**p<0.01).

FIG. 22 depicts PTx increased the expression of VEGF. Primary neurons were cultured for 7 days and treated with PTx at the concentration of 100 and 400 ng/ml for one day. Double staining with VEGF and Map2 antibodies showed the expression of VEGF on PTx treated primary neurons. The VEGF was increased in a dose-dependent patent (*P<0.01). Original magnification ×200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology 3rd ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 2001); March, Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure 5th ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 2001); and Sambrook and Russel, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual 3rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. 2001), provide one skilled in the art with a general guide to many of the terms used in the present application.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described.

As disclosed herein, the inventors investigated the effects of Pertussis toxin (PTx) administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) as well as intraperitoneally (ip) in preventing downstream immune cell infiltration and demyelination of the spinal cord. EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice with MOG35-55. PTx icv at seven days post MOG immunization resulted in mitigation of clinical motor symptoms, minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination of the spinal cord. Integrity of the blood brain barrier was compromised in the brain whereas spinal cord BBB integrity remained intact. PTx icv markedly increased microglia numbers in the brain preventing their migration to the spinal cord. An in vitro transwell study demonstrated that PTx inhibited migration of microglia. Centrally administered PTx abrogated migration of microglia in EAE mice, limiting the inflammatory cytokine milieu to the brain and prevented dissemination of demyelination.

As further disclosed herein, the inventors have provided evidence of the usage of PTx as a therapeutic agent to treat autoimmune disease, and provide insight into the etiological mechanism of autoimmune diseases and provide a therapeutic model demonstrating attenuation of the lesion and clinical manifestations of EAE with early administration of icv and ip PTx. Understanding the mechanism of PTx allows implementation of other directed methods to mimic the effects of PTx therapeutically utilizing G protein, chemokine, and adhesion blocking agents. In addition, the design and development of effective treatment strategies surrounding the unique concept of translocated inflammation provide further insight into the mechanism of therapies. By applying PTx, the inventors successfully attenuate the motor deficits in EAE. Beyond its implications for multiple sclerosis, the understanding of microglia and T cell translocation in central nervous system (CNS) and the manipulation of its regulation have a broad impact in other autoimmune diseases such as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis as well as infectious disorders affecting the immune system such as HIV, Guillain-Barre syndrome and meningitis. Finally, in light of the role of immune modulation in the effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, there is also an impact on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and the continuum between immunologic disease and neurodegeneration.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a disease in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of a composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt, thereof to the subject. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of mitigating the effects of and/or slowing progression of the disease by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of a composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx), or a derivative, analog, pharmaceutical equivalent, and/or salt, thereof to the subject. In another embodiment, the administration of the composition prevents and/or reduces the likelihood of susceptibility to developing the disease relative to a healthy individual. In another embodiment, the subject is a mouse. In another embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the disease is a neurodegenerative disease, including for example. Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. In another embodiment, the disease is an autoimmune disease, including but not limited to acute demyelinating encephalomyeliltis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Wegener's granulomatosis. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in inhibition of migration of microglia. In another embodiment, administering the composition results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on neurons and/or increased angiogenesis. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 1000 ng PTx. In another embodiment, the disease is a infectious disorder affecting the immune system such as but not limited to HIV, Guillain-Barre syndrome and meningitis. In another embodiment, the invention may provide treatment for inflammatory spinal cord injury. In another embodiment, the treatment may be administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) and/or intraperitoneally (ip).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective dosage of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, derivative, and/or salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 1000 ng PTx.

In some embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, salt, and/or derivative in the composition can be in the range of about 10-100 ng, 100-200 ng, 200-300 ng, 300-400 ng, 400-500 ng, 500-600 ng, 600-700 ng, 700-800 ng, 800-900 ng, 900-1000 ng, 1000-1100 ng, 1100-1200 ng, 1200-1300 ng, 1300-1400 ng, 1400-1500 ng, 1500-1600 ng, 1600-1700 ng, 1700-1800 ng, 1800-1900 ng, 1900-2000 ng, 2000-2100 ng, 2100-2200 ng, 2200-2300 ng, 2300-2400 ng, 2400-2500 ng, 2500-2600 ng, 2600-2700 ng, 2700-2800 ng, 2800-2900 ng, or 2900-3000 ng.

In some embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, salt, and/or derivative in the composition can be in the range of about 10-100 ng/day, 100-200 ng/day, 200-300 ng/day, 300-400 ng/day, 400-500 ng/day, 500-600 ng/day, 600-700 ng/day, 700-800 ng/day, 800-900 ng/day, 900-1000 ng/day, 1000-1100 ng/day, 1100-1200 ng/day, 1200-1300 ng/day, 1300-1400 ng/day, 1400-1500 ng/day, 1500-1600 ng/day, 1600-1700 ng/day, 1700-1800 ng/day, 1800-1900 ng/day, 1900-2000 ng/day, 2000-2100 ng/day, 2100-2200 ng/day, 2200-2300 ng/day, 2300-2400 ng/day, 2400-2500 ng/day, 2500-2600 ng/day, 2600-2700 ng/day, 2700-2800 ng/day, 2800-2900 ng/day, or 2900-3000 ng/day.

In some embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, salt, and/or derivative in the composition can be in the range of about 10-100 mg, 100-200 mg, 200-300 mg, 300-400 mg, 400-500 mg, 500-600 mg, 600-700 mg, 700-800 mg, 800-900 mg, 900-1000 mg, 1000-1100 mg, 1100-1200 mg, 1200-1300 mg, 1300-1400 mg, 1400-1500 mg, 1500-1600 mg, 1600-1700 mg, 1700-1800 mg, 1800-1900 mg, 1900-2000 mg, 2000-2100 mg, 2100-2200 mg, 2200-2300 mg, 2300-2400 mg, 2400-2500 mg, 2500-2600 mg, 2600-2700 mg, 2700-2800 mg, 2800-2900 mg, or 2900-3000 mg.

Typical dosages of an effective amount of pertussis toxin (PTx), or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, salt, and/or derivative can be in the ranges recommended by the manufacturer where known therapeutic compounds are used, and also as indicated to the skilled artisan by the in vitro responses or responses in animal models. For example, one of skill in the art may readily calculate and prepare the equivalent dosages of PTx for human patients based on an effective dosage of 1000 ng/day administered to a mouse model. The same or similar dosing can be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, or an alternate dosage may be used in connection with alternate embodiments of the invention, such as administrating in conjunction with or without various G-proteins, chemokines and/or adhesion blocking agents. The actual dosage can depend upon the judgment of the physician, the condition of the patient, and the effectiveness of the therapeutic method based, for example, on the in vitro responsiveness of relevant cultured cells or histocultured tissue sample, or the responses observed in the appropriate animal models.

As readily apparent to one of skill in the art, various embodiments described herein may be used to treat any number of conditions and diseases that affect the central nervous system, motor deficits, spinal cord injury and/or inflammation, and demyelination, and the invention is not in any way limited to only treatment of multiple sclerosis. Similarly, as described herein, the inventors have determined that pertussis toxin may be distinguished from other possible therapeutic lesions by mediating therapeutic effects immunologically, as opposed to being neurotransmitter driven. Thus, as readily apparent to one of skill in the art, any number of additional compositions or substitutes may also act through a similar mechanism, including pharmaceutical equivalents, derivatives, analogs, and/or salts, or other compounds and agents that mimic pertussis toxin's therapeutic utilization of G protein, chemokine and adhesion blocking, and the invention is not limited only to pertussis toxin itself.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to better illustrate the claimed invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, it is merely for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the invention. One skilled in the art may develop equivalent means or reactants without the exercise of inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of the invention.

Example 1 Generally

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are important vehicles for studying the effect of infectious elements such as Pertussis toxin (PTx) on disease processes related to acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS). PTx has pleotropic effects on the immune system. The inventors investigated the effects of PTx administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) in preventing downstream immune cell infiltration and demyelination of the spinal cord.

Methods and Findings: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice with MOG35-55. PTx icv at seven days post MOG immunization resulted in mitigation of clinical motor symptoms, minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination of the spinal cord. Integrity of the blood brain barrier was compromised in the brain whereas spinal cord BBB integrity remained intact. PTx icv markedly increased microglia numbers in the brain preventing their migration to the spinal cord. An in vitro transwell study demonstrated that PTx inhibited migration of microglia.

Centrally administered PTx abrogated migration of microglia in EAE mice, limiting the inflammatory cytokine milieu to the brain and prevented dissemination of demyelination. The effects of PTx icv warrants further investigation and provides an attractive template for further study regarding the pleotropic effects of infectious elements such as PTx in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders.

Example 2 EAE Induction and Treatment

The animals were kept in groups on a 12:12 h light/dark cycle with food and water ad libitum. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old. Taconic Laboratory, New York, USA) by subcutaneous injection with 200 mg myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55; M-E-V-G-W-Y-R-S-P-F-S-R-V-V-H-L-Y-R-N-G-K, Bio-synthesis Inc. Lewisville, Tex.), dissolved in an emulsion of 50 ml of complete Freund's adjuvant containing 0.5 mg of heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CFA, Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) and 50 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). On the day of immunization (day 0) and 48 h later (day 2), PTx (List Biological laboratories Inc.) 200 ng in PBS was injected into the mouse tail vein. Neurological functional tests were performed by an examiner blinded to the treatment status of each animal. Functional data were collected on 7 mouse groups (n=12/group), 3 PTx icv treatment groups (EAE+PTx icv 1000 ng, 400 ng, and 200 ng), 2 EAE groups (EAE and EAE+normal saline (NS) icv) and 2 non-EAE control groups (normal+1000 ng PTX icv and CFA+1000 ng PTX icv). Neurological assessments were reported using a five-point standardized rating scale to evaluate motor deficit: 0 no deficit; 1 tail paralysis; 2 unilateral hind limb weakness; 3 incomplete bilateral hind limb paralysis and/or partial forelimb weakness; 4 complete hind limb paralysis and partial forelimb weakness; 5 moribund state or death. Scores were measured daily for 23 days. The onset of disease was calculated by determining the total number of days from MOG35-55 immunization to the onset of symptoms in individual animals. Maximal motor scores and motor scores at day 14 and 21 were compared as were onset of disease.

Example 3 Stereotactic Intracerebroventricular Injection

Mice were anaesthetized by injection of a ketamine/xylamine cocktail on day 7 after MOG35-55 immunization and mounted in a stereotactic device. A fine hole was drilled through the skull giving access to the surface of the brain 0.7 mm caudal to bregma and 1.0 mm lateral to the sagittal suture. A guarded, 27-gauge 0.5-in needle was stereotactically inserted, targeting the lateral ventricle (3.5 mm depth). A 10.0-m Hamilton 1700 series gastight syringe was used to inject 2 ml of normal saline, or PTx (500 mg/ml dissolved in normal saline) into the lateral ventricle over a five-minute period.

Example 4 Immunohistochemistry

Mice were euthanized at day 7 14 or day 23 post immunization. Terminally anesthetized mice were intracardiacally perfused with saline followed by 4% paraformaldehyde. The spinal cord and brain were embedded in paraffin and cut into serial 6-mm thick coronal slides. Histological evaluation was performed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Luxol fast blue/periodic acid Schiff agent (LFB/PAS), and Bielschowsky silver impregnation to assess inflammation, demyelination, and axonal pathology, respectively. Histological scores assessing the degree of inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss in the spinal cord were evaluated using a semi-quantitative system. In brief, the degree of inflammation was assessed by counting the number of cellular infiltrates in the spinal cord. Digital images were collected using an Axoplan microscope (Zeiss, Thomwood, N.Y.) under bright field setting using a 40× objective. Severity of inflammatory cell infiltration on H&E staining was scored using the following scale: 0, no inflammation; 1, cellular infiltrates only around blood vessel and meninges; 2, mild cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (1-10/section); 3, moderate cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (11-100/section); and 4, serious cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (0.100/section). Serial sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed spinal cord were stained with Luxol fast blue for myelin and were assessed in a blinded fashion for demyelination using the following scale: 0, normal white matter; 1, rare foci; 2, a few areas of demyelination; 3, confluent perivascular or subpial demyelination; 4, massive perivascular and subpial demyelination involving one half of the spinal cord with presence of cellular infiltrates in the CNS parenchyma; and 5, extensive perivascular and subpial demyelination involving the whole cord section with presence of cellular infiltrates in the CNS parenchyma. Axonal loss was assessed using the following scale: 0, no axonal loss; 1, a few foci of superficial axonal loss which involves less than 25% of the lateral columns; 2, foci of deep axonal loss and that encompasses over 25% of the lateral columns, and 3, diffuse and widespread axonal loss. At least six serial sections of each spinal cord from each mouse were scored and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. Data were presented as Mean 6 Standard deviation (SD). Immunohistochemistry was performed with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against IL-6 (1:2000, #ab6672, Abcam Inc; Cambridge, Mass.), and TGF-b (1:3000, #ab66043, Abcam Inc; Cambridge, Mass.) to identify crucial pro-inflammatory cytokines; and against ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1, 1:2500, Wako Chemicals Inc. LA) for microglia and glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, 1:400, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) for astrocytes. Sections of brain and spinal cord stained with anti-Iba1 allowed quantification of microglia and assessment of its morphology. The inventors performed a morphological analysis of the changes observed and quantified the microglia in sections of cerebral cortex and spinal cord. Th17 cells were identified by double immunostaining for CD4 (1:1600, Chemicon, Temecula, Calif.), and IL-17 (1:3000, rabbit mAb, #ab40663, Abcam Inc., Cambridge, Mass.) with two fluorescent conjugated secondary antibodies (FITC conjugated and Texas Red conjugated). Immunolabeling was detected by applying the peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure with 3, 39-diaminobenzidine (DAB) as cosubstrate. Negative control slides received identical preparations for immunostaining, except that primary antibodies were omitted.

Example 5 Western Blot Protein Analysis

Aliquots of equal amount of proteins were loaded onto a 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel. After gel electrophoresis, blots were subsequently probed with primary antibodies (anti-IL-6, 1:1000 #ab6672, anti-IL-17, 1:3000 #ab40663, anti-TGF-b 1:1000 #ab66043 Abeam Inc; Cambridge, Mass.). For detection, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary anti-rabbit antibody was used (1:10,000, #7074, Cell signaling technology, Danvers, Mass.), followed by enhanced chemiluminescence development (ECL kit, #34077, Thermo Scientific Pierce, Rockford Ill.). Normalization of results was ensured by running parallel Western blots with b-actin antibody (1:25,000 #ab49900, Abcam Inc; Cambridge, Mass.). The optical density was quantified using an image densitometer (Model GS-670, BioRad, Hercules, Calif.). The data are presented as a percentage of target protein relative to b-actin. A value of p,0.05 is considered significant.

Example 6 BBB Studies

Qualitative (immunohistochemistry) and quantitative (Western blot) analyses of exogenous rabbit IgG penetration across the BBB into the CNS were used to evaluate the extent of regional breakdown of the BBB in EAE and EAE+PTx icv mice [20]. Normal and PTx icv (without EAE) were used as controls. Mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100 mg purified rabbit IgG (Ir-Rb-Gf, Innovative research, Novi, Mich., USA) on day 7 (four hours after PTx icv in the EAE+PTx icv group) or day 14. Animals were euthanized 18-19 hours after the injection. For immunohistochemistry, paraffin embedded sections were probed directly with biotinylated anti-rabbit IgG (1:100; Vector laboratories. Brulingame, Calif.). For Western blot, the horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-rabbit antibody (1:5000, Cell Signaling Technology, Davers, Mass.) was used.

Example 7 T Cell Proliferation Assays

Animals were sacrificed on day 14. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the spleen and were suspended in culture medium containing DMEM supplemented with 1% penicillin-streptomycin and 10% (v/v) FBS (Invitrogen Life Technologies). Mononuclear cells were then seeded onto 96-well plates at a concentration of 46105 cells/well. Ten microliters of MOG35-55 peptide (10 mg/ml), PLP 39-151 peptide (10 mg/ml), or Con A (5 mg/ml; Sigma-Aldrich) were then added in triplicate into the wells. After 3 days of incubation, the cells were pulsed for 18 h with 10-ml aliquots containing 1 mCi of [methyl-3H]thymidine (42 Ci/mmol; Amersham Biosciences). Cells were harvested onto glass fiber filters, and the thymidine incorporation was measured. The results were expressed as Dcpm (DCPM) (mean cpm stimulated cultures−mean cpm unstimulated cultures).

Example 8 Flow Cytometry Analysis

To evaluate the frequency of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD25+, CD32/CD19+, CD45+/CD11b+ cells, spleen mononuclear cell culture was prepared from each group on day 14 (the peak of autoimmune response). Single cell suspensions (26106 cells/5 ml BD tube) were incubated with combinations of fluorescent antibodies, for 30 min at 4 uC: CD3 (17A2), CD19 (1D3), CD4 (GK 1.5), CD8 (53-6.7), CD25 PC61.5), CD11b (M1/70), and CD45 (RA3-6B2). The indicated antibodies were fluorescently tagged with either FITC, PE, allophycocyanin, PE-Cy5, PE-Cy7 or APC-Cy7. All purchased from BD Pharmingen. After incubation, each suspension was washed twice (400 g, 5 min, 4 uC) with PBS containing 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) and was resuspended in PBS with 0.5% of paraformaldehyde. Appropriate isotype controls were included. All samples were analyzed on Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer (Accuri Cytometers Inc, USA). Data were analyzed on CFlow Plus software. The number of mononuclear cells per mouse spleen was counted on hemocytometer and the absolute number of a cell subset was calculated based on the percentage of cells stained for the appropriate markers.

Example 9 Cytokine Quantification by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

To assess cytokine expression, spleen mononuclear cells were prepared as described above. Suspensions were incubated in RPMI-1640 medium at 37 uC for 2 days (26106 cells/well) with or without antigens (MOG35-55 10 mg/ml or Con A 5 mg/ml, Sigma, USA). Supernatants were collected and aliquoted in 96-well plate precoated with antibodies to Interferon c (IFN-c), Tumor Necrosis Factor a (TNF-a), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) (ELISA Max™ Set Deluxe, BioLegend Inc. San Diego, Calif.). Optical density was measured at 450 nm on Model 680 Microplate Reader (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Corston, UK). The optical density was quantified by GraphPad Prism 4 (GraphPad Software, Inc) using the standard curve provided by the manufacturer.

Example 10 Primary Microglia Cell Culture

Cortical tissue was harvested from 0 or 1-day-old C57/BL6 mouse pups (Taconic, Hudson, N.Y.). Meninges and visible vasculature were removed under a dissecting microscope. Cortical tissue was digested in the DMEM/F12 media (Invitrogen Corporation, CA) containing 0.25% trypsin and EDTA (1 mM) at 37 uC for 15 minutes. The digested tissue was resuspended in 20 ml media containing DMEM/F12 supplemented with 15% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum, 5% Horse serum (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin and filtered through a 70-mm nylon mesh (BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif.). The cells were washed and seeded in a 75 cm2 flask in fresh culture medium (3-4 Pups/per flask). The purity of the microglia cultures was assessed by double-immunostaining with microglial special markers anti Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1, 1:2500, Wako Chemicals Inc. LA) and glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, 1:400, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.). The purity of this primary microglia cell culture is about 90-95%.

Example 11 Microglia Migration Assay

The migration of microglia in vitro was determined by using Transwell (pore size 8-mm, Corning, VWR, San Dimas, Calif.). Cellfree DMEM/F-12 media (0.8 ml) with or without IFN-c (20 ng/ml, BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif.) was placed in the lower chamber. Microglia suspension (0.1 ml, 56104 cell/per well) was placed in upper chamber and incubated with or without PTx (100 ng/ml, Campbell, Calif.) for 24 hours at 37 uC. The inserts were then removed and the upper surface was carefully cleansed with cotton pads. Cells on the lower surface were air dried and stained for microglia. Microglial migration was quantified and compared among the groups by counting the number of cells that migrated through the membrane to the lower chamber. Five random fields at 40× fields were counted for each condition under a phase contrast microscope. Each experiment was repeated three times. Results were shown as the cells counted per 40× field.

Example 12 Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed with SPSS version 10 for windows. The two way analysis of variance was applied to determine the significance of the difference among the experimental groups. Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis was used for data presented as percentage. The Mann-Whitney U test was used when Kruskal-Wallis showed significance among groups. P,0.05 was considered significant.

Example 13 Results—Table 1

TABLE 1 Splenocytes from EAE and EAE + PTx mice expressed elevated levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-4 compared to WT controls. Pg/ml WT EAE EAE + PTx TNF-α 3.0 +/− 0.9 46.7 +/− 2.0* 49.3 +/− 1.9* IFN-γ 9.9 +/− 8.9 2385.9 +/− 556.9* 2636.2 +/− 186.9* IL-2 5.4 +/− 0.6 105.9 +/− 26.0* 138.2 +/− 23.1* IL-6 14.1 +/− 3.8  1144.0 +/− 211.5* 1047.0 +/− 186.1* IL-4 1.3 +/− 0.4 170.9 +/− 62.5* 144.3 +/− 11.3* There was no significant differences in cytokine production in EAE and EAE + PTx. *P,0.001, compared with WT. Abbrevation. WT: wild type, EAE: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model group, EAE + PTx: EAE mice with cerebral ventricle injection of Pertussis toxin (PTx).

Example 14 Results—Table 2

TABLE 2 Histopathological analyses of inflammatory parameters, demyelination and axonal damage in the spinal cord of C57BL/6 mice at 7, 14, and 23 days after MOG₃₅₋₅₅ EAE induction, EAE EAE + PTx icv P value Inflammation (H and E) day 7 0.25 +/− 0.27 0.08 +/− 0.20 0.260 Day 14 3.33 +/− 0.75 1.33 +/− 0.75 0.001* Day 23 3.42 +/− 0.58 1.33 +/− 0.68 <0.001* Demyelination (Fast blue) Day 7 0.25 +/− 0.27 0.08 +/− 0.20 0.260 Day 14 3.66 +/− 0.98 0.83 +/− 0.98 0.001* Day 23 3.75 +/− 0.93 1.16 +/− 0.98 0.001* Axonal loss (silver staining) Day 7 0.83 +/− 0.20 0.04 +/− 0.10 0.664 Day 14 2.42 +/− 0.86 0.66 +/− 0.51 0.002* Day 23 2.58 +/− 0.97 0.58 +/− 0.49 0.001* Data presented as Mean +/− SD

Example 15 PTx Icv Prevents Against Dissemination of Motor Deficits in EAE and has a Dose Effect

PTx icv (1000 ng) delayed the onset of motor symptoms (11.660.64 versus 8.560.75, p,0.05) and decreased the severity of motor impairment (maximal clinical score 0.3560.07 vs. 3.2560.37, p,0.01) (FIG. 1). The inventors evaluated whether there was a dose effect associated with administration of PTx icv (200 ng, 400 ng, and 1000 ng). There was a significant dose effect. The 1000 ng group provided a significantly greater therapeutic response than the 400 ng, and the 400 ng greater than the 200 ng (p,0.05) which also provided a significant therapeutic response relative to EAE (p,0.05) (FIG. 1). To control for potential effects of icv administration, EAE mice were treated with same volume of normal saline icv (EAE+NS icv). Motor deficits were unchanged compared to EAE alone (FIG. 1). To determine whether the effects of the spinal cord lesion could be alleviated following symptom onset, PTx icv was administered immediately after the onset of measurable motor deficits (clinical score. 0.5; day 9+ post MOG35-55 inoculation). The delayed administration did not alter the clinical course of EAE (n=6).

Example 16 The Variation in Clinical Disease is not Due to Differences in Auto-Reactive T Cell Priming

To investigate whether an enhanced expansion of auto-reactive T cells could be responsible for the observed clinical differences in EAE versus EAE+PTX icv, T cells were re-challenged with MOG35-55 in vitro. No differences were observed between EAE and EAE+PTX icv regarding the capacity of T cells to proliferate in response to recall antigen (FIG. 2). Furthermore there was no difference in T cell subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD25+), B cell (CD32/CD19+), and macrophage/microglia (CD45+/CD11b+) (FIG. 3). Nor is there a pattern shift in Th1/Th2 between the two groups (Table 1).

Example 17 PTx Icv Attenuates Spinal Cord Leukocyte Infiltration and Demyelination in EAE

On day 14 and 23, H&E staining in the cross-sectional of the spinal cord of EAE mice showed widespread infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord (FIG. 4D-F). In contrast, EAE+PTx icv mice exhibited markedly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord on day 14 and 23. (FIG. 4A-C, Table 2). To determine the degree of demyelination, we stained sections of spinal cord with Luxol fast blue and observed widespread demyelination zones in the white matter of the spinal cord of EAE mice on day 14 and 23 (FIG. 4H). In contrast, on day 14 and 23, mice that received PTx icv had minimal evidence of demyelination indicated by a markedly attenuated course of disease (FIG. 4G, Table 2). Marked axonal loss characterizes the MOG35-55 model of EAE, and this is evident in the spinal sections of the EAE mice assessed with Bielschowsky silver impregnation. Attenuation of axonal injury is evidenced in EAE+PTx icv mice (Table 2).

Example 18 PTx Icv Increases BBB Permeability in EAE

The inventors determined BBB integrity by localizing rabbit IgG in the CNS in EAE and EAE+PTx icv before (day 7) and during the peak (day 14) of symptomatic disease. On day 7, rabbit IgG immunoreactivity was observed in the brains of EAE+PTx icv but not in EAE mice (FIG. 5, 6). In the spinal cord no immunoreactivity was observed in either group. On day 14, EAE mice demonstrated immunoreactivity diffusely throughout the parenchyma of the spinal cord with minimal evidence of reactivity in the brain. EAE+PTx icv mice showed rabbit IgG immunoreactivity in the brain, but not in the spinal cord (FIG. 5, 6). To control for potential effects of PTx on BBB integrity, separate from its exacerbation of EAE related inflammation, mice were treated with 1000 ng PTx icv but were not exposed to MOG35-55. In contrast to EAE+PTx icv mice (FIG. 5, 6), mice that received only PTx icv exhibited no accumulation of rabbit IgG in the brain or the spinal cord. Thus, the BBB breakdown described above was caused by the effect of PTx icv in the context of EAE.

Example 19 PTx Icv Preferentially Induces the Development of Myelin-Reactive TH-17 Cells in the Brain

T helper cell lineage development depends on local cytokine milieus and specific immune factors. Emerging evidence supports the pathonogmonic role of Th-17 cells in EAE and the role of PTx in the induction of Th-17 [28]. For the Th-17 cells, TGF-b and IL-6 drive the initial lineage commitment. The inventors quantified the Th-17 cell concentration in our model after PTx icv was administered. In the spinal cord, the presence of IL-17 CD4 cells was rare and limited to the meninges in the EAE+PTx icv mice (FIG. 7A-C), whereas a considerable number of Th-17 cells were identified in the spinal parenchyma of the EAE mice (FIG. 7D-F). The protein levels of IL-17, IL6 and TGF-b (FIG. 7G-I) were significantly elevated in the spinal cord of the EAE relative to the EAE+PTx icv mice (p,0.05), correlating the spinal cord pathology in EAE mice.

In the brain, the EAE+PTX icv mice exhibited infiltrating leucocytes which stained positive for CD 4 and IL-17. The majority of these colocalized cells were in the periventricular white matter, confirming the infiltration of proinflammatory of Th-17 cells induced by PTx icv. Whereas, in the EAE alone mice, the presence of Th-17 cells in the brain was limited to the meninges. The protein level of IL-17, IL-6, and TGF-b were significantly elevated in the brain of EAE+PTx icv mice, relative to the controls and the EAE alone mice (FIG. 8) (p,0.05). In normal control and CFA+PTx icv groups, no IL-17+ cells were detected in brain.

Example 20 PTx Icv Retains Macrophage/Microglia and to a Lesser Degree T Cell Infiltration to the Brain Preventing Dissemination to the Spinal Cord

The most salient finding of PTx icv on day 7 post immunization was the parenchymal infiltration of macrophage/microphage (Iba1), and to a lesser magnitude T cell (CD4), in the brain (FIG. 9). In the brain of EAE+PTx icv mice, anti-Iba1 antibody reacted strongly with amoeboid-shaped cells, corresponding to activated microglia on day 7. Wild type controls manifest ramified or resting microglia; whereas EAE mice manifest intermediate responsiveness and ramification (FIG. 9-C, D, F). In contrast, the spinal cord of EAE mice showed amoeboid-shaped cells that stained strongly with anti-Iba1 antibody, corresponding to activated microglia (FIG. 9-A, B, E). To further determine the effect of PTx on microglia migration, the inventors utilized the Transwell to assess in vitro migration. PTx significantly inhibited the migration of microglia with and without IFN-c stimulation (FIG. 10).

Example 21 Therapeutic Effect of PTx

PTx results in evidence of: 1) dose and time course dependent attenuation of motor clinical symptoms; 2) In the spinal cord, typically the most affected region in the traditional EAE model, evidence of minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination; 3) abrogation of the migration of microglia as well as T cells to the lesion target and 4) modulation blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These results indicate that PTx icv/ip results in a therapeutic response in the EAE model.

The data demonstrates that neurodegenerative changes in the spinal cord are directly impacted by the therapeutic effects of PTx. PTx is recognized as an immunoadjuvant and has been used to increase disease severity; however, in this case it has a therapeutic effect, demonstrating the therapeutic effect of PTx given in a single dose on EAE. Successful demonstration of the mechanism of its dichotomous effect also provide a clearer understanding of its role in autoimmune diseases. Secondly, the inventors demonstrate the concept of a therapeutic lesion. Though the concept of a therapeutic lesion, with actual placement of a lesion in humans, has been seen in the neurodegenerative disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, in that situation the mechanism is thought to be neurotransmitter driven. Data described herein has shown that PTx administered through the ventricle as well as ip results in a therapeutic brain lesion which is mediated immunologically i.e. increased adhesion molecule activity and local infiltration but decreased migrational activity in EAE, and the results support this.

PTx Icv:

1. PTx icv prevents against dissemination of motor deficits in EAE and has a dose effect.

2. The variation in clinical disease is not due to differences in auto-reactive T cell priming.

3. PTx icv attenuates spinal cord leukocyte infiltration and demyelination in EAE

4. PTx icv increases BBB permeability in EAE

5. PTx icv preferentially induces the development of myelin-reactive Th-17 cells in the brain.

6. PTx icv retains macrophage/microglia and to a lesser degree T cell infiltration to the brain preventing dissemination to the spinal cord.

PTx Ip:

1. PTx ip has similar effects on motor deficits in EAE: PTx ip (1000 ng) delayed the onset of motor symptoms and decreased the severity of motor impairment (p<0.01) (FIG. 11). The inventors evaluated whether A or B subunit alone was effective with equivalent dosage. Neither of them showed therapeutic effect. B subunit alone showed a trend in delaying the onset of motor deficits, but it was not significant (FIG. 11).

2. PTx ip attenuates spinal cord leukocyte infiltration and demyelination in EAE: H&E staining in the cross-sectional of the spinal cord of EAE mice showed widespread infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord. By contrast, EAE+PTx ip mice exhibited markedly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord (FIG. 12). This is consistent with Luxol fast blue staining which observed widespread demyelination zones in the white matter of the spinal cord of EAE mice compared to EAE+PTx ip mice (FIG. 13).

3. PTx ip attenuates macrophage/microglia infiltration to the CNS: In the brain and spinal cord of EAE mice, anti-Iba1 antibody reacted strongly with amoeboid-shaped cells, corresponding to activated microglia. Wild type controls manifest ramified or resting microglia; whereas EAE+PTx ip mice manifest intermediate responsiveness and ramification (FIG. 14).

Example 22 VEGF and Angiogenesis—Generally

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis play an important role in the pathophysiology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The inventors investigated whether PTx can increase VEGF expression and angiogenesis which in turn lead to beneficial effects in EAE model. EAE was induced as by MOG 35-55 in C57BL/6 mice. Clinical scores of EAE were evaluated daily for 19 days. Brain and spinal cord samples were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Luxol fast blue/periodic acid Schiff agent (LFB/PAS) and immunohistochemistry for VEGF. NeuN and Collagen IV. Western blot protein analysis was used to assess the protein levels of VEGF and collagen IV. In vitro study on primary neuronal culture was done to assess the effect of PTx on VEGF expression on neurons. The inventors found that the treatment of PTx attenuates inflammation and demyelination and therefore the clinical deficits in EAE. PTx increases VEGF expression and angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The findings suggest that upregulation of endogenous VEGF on neurons plays a protective role in EAE and it is a potential target in treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Example 23 VEGF and Angiogenesis—Animals and EAE Induction

All experimental procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Barrow Neurological Institute and performed according to the Revised Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The animals were kept in groups on a 12:12 h light/dark cycle with food and water ad libitum.

EAE was induced. Briefly, female C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old, Taconic Laboratory, New York, USA) were subcutaneously injected with 200 μg myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55; M-E-V-G-W-Y-R-S-P-F-S-R-V-V-H-L-Y-R-N-G-K, Bio-synthesis Inc. Lewisville, Tex.), dissolved in an emulsion of 50 μl of complete Freund's adjuvant containing 0.5 mg of heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CFA, Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) and 50 μl of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). On the day of immunization (day 0) and 48 h later (day 2), PTx (List Biological laboratories Inc.) 200 ng in PBS was injected intraperitoneally (ip). An additional 1000 ng PTx was administered ip on day 7 in the PTx treatment group.

Neurological functional tests were performed by an examiner blinded to the treatment status of each animal. Clinical grades of EAE were assessed using a five-point standardized rating scale: 0=no deficit; 1=tail paralysis; 2=unilateral hind limb weakness; 3=incomplete bilateral hind limb paralysis and/or partial forelimb weakness; 4=complete hind limb paralysis and partial forelimb weakness; 5=moribund state or death. Functional data were collected on 3 mouse groups (n=12/group): normal control group, EAE group and PTx treatment group. Scores were recorded daily.

Example 24 VEGF and Angiogenesis—Immunohistochemistry

Mice were euthanized at day 19 post immunization. Terminally anesthetized mice were perfused intracardiacally with saline followed by 4% paraformaldehyde. The fixed spinal cord and brain were embedded in paraffin and cut into serial 6 μm thick coronal slides. Histological evaluation was performed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Luxol fast blue/periodic acid Schiff agent (LFB/PAS) to assess inflammation and demyelination respectively.

Histological scores assessing the degree of inflammation and demyelination in the spinal cord and brain were evaluated using a semi-quantitative system. In brief, the degree of inflammation was assessed by counting the number of cellular infiltrates in the spinal cord. Digital images were collected using an Axoplan microscope (Zeiss, Thomwood. NY) under bright field setting using a 40× objective. Severity of inflammatory cell infiltration on H&E staining was scored using the following scale as described (Okuda et al., 1999): 0=no inflammation; 1=cellular infiltrates only around blood vessel and meninges; 2=mild cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (1-10/section); 3=moderate cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (11-100/section); and 4=severe cellular infiltrates in parenchyma (>100/section).

Serial sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed spinal cord and brain were stained with Luxol fast blue for myelin and were assessed in a blinded fashion for demyelination using the following scale: 0=normal white matter; 1=rare foci; 2=a few areas of demyelination; 3=confluent perivascular or subpial demyelination; 4=massive perivascular and subpial demyelination involving one half of the spinal cord or brain with presence of cellular infiltrates in the CNS parenchyma; and 5=extensive perivascular and subpial demyelination involving the whole cord section or brain with presence of cellular infiltrates in the CNS parenchyma. At least six serial sections of each spinal cord from each mouse were scored and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. Data were presented as Mean±Standard deviation (SD).

Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against VEGF (NG1651636, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) to identify pro-angiogenesis factors; and against Nestin (LV1634942, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) and Collagen IV (ab19808, Abcam Inc., Cambridge, Mass.) to identify the density of blood vessels. Immunolabeling was detected by applying the peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) as cosubstrate.

For double fluorescent staining, antibodies against NeuN (MAB377, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) and VEGF (NG1651636, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) were used to identify the expression of VEGF on neurons. The sections were incubated in 5% FBS in PBST for 1 hour, and then incubated in the mixture of two primary antibodies for 1 hour at room temperature, followed by incubation with two fluorescent conjugated secondary antibodies (FITC conjugated and Texas Red conjugated) in PBST for 30 min at room temperature. Adjacent sections were used to detect co-localization. Respective negative controls that omit primary antibodies and positive controls were applied for each case.

Example 25 VEGF and Angiogenesis—Western Blot Protein Analysis

Aliquots of equal amount of proteins were loaded onto an 8% SDS-polyacrylamide gel. After gel electrophoresis, blots were subsequently probed with primary antibodies (VEGF, collagen IV). For detection, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody was used (7074, Cell signaling technology; Danvers, Mass.), followed by enhanced chemiluminescence development (ECL kit, 34077, Thermo Scientific Pierce, Rockford Ill.).

Normalization of results was ensured by running parallel Western blots with β-actin antibody (sc-47778, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Santa Cruz, Calif.). The optical density was quantified using an image densitometer (Model GS-670, BioRad, Hercules, Calif.). The data are presented as a percentage of target protein relative to β-actin. A value of p<0.05 is considered significant.

Example 26 VEGF and Angiogenesis—In Vitro

To prepare primary neuronal culture, cells were collected from cerebral cortices of 0 or 1-day-old C57/BL6 mouse pups (Taconic, Hudson, N.Y.). Pups were dipped in 95% ethanol inside a cell culture hood. The whole brains were exposed and the meninges were removed under a dissecting microscope. Both sides of cortex were removed and put into dish with Neurobasal Medium (Invitrogen Corporation, CA). The cortices were cut and minced mechanically. Tissues were incubated in Papain digestion solution (Worthington, Biochemical, Lakewood) at 37° C. for 20 minutes with continuous shaking (150 rpm). Digestion was stopped by addition of 10% FBS (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and filtered through a 70 um cell strainer. It was centrifuged for 3 min (1500 rpm) and the supernatant was discarded. 2 ml Neurobasal Medium supplemented with 0.5% L-glutamine and 2% B27 serum-free supplement (Invitrogen Corporation, CA) was added to re-suspend the cells in a flask. Cells were plated into Poly-D-lysine covered dishes. They were cultured in 5% CO2 atmosphere at 37° C. Medium was replaced every 3-4 days.

On day 7, primary neuronal cells were treated with PTx at the concentration of 100 ng/ml or 400 ng/ml. 24 hours after treatment, the cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Cells were double stained with antibodies VEGF (NG1651636, Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Mass.) and Map2 (3-1103, Gainesville, Fla.) to measure the expression of VEGF on neurons. The expression of PTx on neurons was evaluated by calculating the mean density with the VisionWorks LS Image Acquisition and Analysis Software.

Example 27 VEGF and Angiogenesis—The Treatment of PTx Attenuated Clinical Deficits of EAE

To investigate whether the treatment of PTx alleviated clinical deficits of EAE, clinical scores were evaluated daily in each group (control, EAE and PTx). After MOG induction, motor symptoms were observed on day 13 and continued to worsen up to day 19 in the EAE group. In the PTx treatment group, no clinical signs were observed during the same period.

Example 28 VEGF and Angiogenesis—The Treatment of PTx Attenuated Inflammation and Demyelination in EAE

At day 19 after immunization, mice were sacrificed to detected the inflammation and demyelination by H&E and Luxol fast blue staining. Infiltrating inflammatory cells were abundant around blood vessels and in the parenchyma of brain and spinal cord in the EAE group. In the PTx treatment group, the number of inflammatory cells were markedly reduced (FIG. 2). Massive perivascular and subpial demyelination with inflammatory cells infiltrating the parenchyma were seen especially in the spinal cord in the EAE group. In the PTx treatment group, few foci of demyelination were observed. Semi-quantitative analysis showed there was a significant difference in the degree of inflammation and demyelination in the brain and spinal cord between EAE and PTx treatment groups (Table 3).

Example 29 VEGF and Angiogenesis—PTx Increased VEGF Expression and Angiogenesis

Sections were stained with antibodies of VEGF and collagen IV to detect change of angiogenesis in different groups. Expression of VEGF on the cells located in brain cortex and spinal gray matter was increased significantly in the PTx treatment group. Double staining with VEGF and NeuN antibodies confirmed these cells were neurons. Consistently, blood vessel counts by collagen IV staining were increased significantly in the PTx treatment group. In the inflammatory cell infiltrating sites and demyelination lesion areas in the EAE group, the expression of VEGF and blood vessel counts were increased, but the overall protein levels of VEGF and collagen type IV by Western blot were decreased (p<0.05).

Example 30 VEGF and Angiogenesis—PTx Increased the Expression of VEGF In Vitro

To further delineate the effect of PTx on VEGF expression in vitro, the inventors cultured primary neurons. On day 7, neuronal cells were treated with PTx at the concentration of 100 and 400 ng/ml. The expression of VEGF after 24-hour treatment was significantly increased and this increase was dose-dependent (p<0.01).

Example 31 VEGF and Angiogenesis—Table 3

Table 3 depicts semi-quantification analysis of inflammation and demyelination in the brain and spinal cord at 19 days after immunization.

TABLE 3 EAE EAE + PTx P value Inflammation (H and E) Brain 4.4 +/− 0.55 1.2 +/− 0.45 0.0001 Spinal cord 3.6 +/− 0.55 1.4 +/− 0.55 0.0002 Demyelination (Fast Blue) Brain 3.6 +/− 0.55 1.0 +/− 0.71 0.0002 Spinal cord 4.2 +/− 0.84 1.4 +/− 0.55 0.0002

Example 32 VEGF and Angiogenesis

As described herein, the inventors demonstrated that PTx treatment increases VEGF expression and angiogenesis. They have also shown that the increase of VEGF is from neurons and blood vessel density is increased in brain cortex and spinal gray matter. In vitro study has further established the dose-dependent effect of PTx on VEGF expression. Importantly, the inventors found that angiogenesis plays a protective role in EAE and that improving angiogenesis is one of the mechanisms of PTx preventing central nervous system autoimmune disease in the EAE model.

VEGF and angiogenesis play a role in EAE. Although the inventors found an upregulation of VEGF and vessel counts in the lesion areas in EAE, this transient increase is likely local and reactive to inflammation. It doesn't alert the overall decrease in VEGF and angiogenesis in EAE. This would explain the seemingly contradictory results in previous studies.

Neuronal VEGF plays a protective role in most CNS diseases. Studies demonstrated that VEGF has neuroprotective effects and can stimulate neuron outgrowth and survival. Neuron degeneration in motor system diseases has been linked to down regulation of endogenous VEGF, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Kennedy disease. It also has been demonstrated that down regulated VEGF by genetic manipulation results in degeneration of motor neurons. Interestingly, it has been previously reported that within the spinal cord in the course of autoimmune encephalomyelitis not only myelin but also neurons are subject to lymphocyte attack and may degenerate. Loss of neurons has been demonstrated in EAE. The inventors found the expression of VEGF on neurons was up regulated significantly after PTx treatment, and administration of PTx prevented the inflammation and demyelination in EAE. This supports that up regulation of neuronal VEGF play a protective role in EAE.

In summary, the inventors have shown that administration of PTx attenuates the inflammation and demyelination in EAE through up regulating endogenous VEGF on neurons and angiogenesis. The findings support that endogenous VEGF on neurons plays a protective role in EAE and it is a potential target in treatment for multiple sclerosis.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. A variety of advantageous and disadvantageous alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, or several advantageous features, while others specifically exclude one, another, or several disadvantageous features, while still others specifically mitigate a present disadvantageous feature by inclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various elements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein. Among the various elements, features, and steps some will be specifically included and others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

Many variations and alternative elements have been disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. Still further variations and alternate elements will be apparent to one of skill in the art. Among these variations, without limitation, are the selection of constituent modules for the inventive compositions, and the diseases and other clinical conditions that may be diagnosed, prognosed or treated therewith. Various embodiments of the invention can specifically include or exclude any of these variations or elements.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

In some embodiments, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the invention (especially in the context of certain of the following claims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans can employ such variations as appropriate, and the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of this invention include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above cited references and printed publications are herein individually incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that can be employed can be within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to that precisely as shown and described. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of treating and/or ameliorating the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a human subject with MS or SLE, comprising: providing a composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx) comprising subunits A and B; and administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the composition comprising pertussis toxin (PTx) comprising subunits A and B to the human subject.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein multiple sclerosis is treated.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein ameliorating the effects of MS or SLE in the human subject includes mitigating clinical motor symptoms, minimizing T cell infiltration, and/or preventing demyelination of the spinal cord.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein administering the composition results in inhibition of migration of microglia in the human subject.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein administering the composition results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on neurons and/or increased angiogenesis.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein administering the composition results in increased blood vessel density in brain cortex and/or spinal gray matter.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 500 ng PTx.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 1000 ng PTx.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 2000 ng PTx.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage comprises at least 3000 ng PTx.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage is between 500 ng/day and 1000 ng/day PTx.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective dosage is between 1000 ng/day and 2000 ng/day PTx.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein SLE is treated. 